The coronavirus is dominating headlines and there seems to be two camps of people – the preppers who “knew this day would come” and the individualistic rebels who shout “you can’t contain me!”.
But in between both extremes, there is the sensible American traveler – who wants to take precautions, but still live everyday life.
Look, love it or hate it – the truth is the coronavirus is disrupting travel plans.
In fact, I’m getting married in May and with a bridal party composed of folks from 3 countries (including Spain) and 5 different states, it makes planning a challenge with so much uncertainty on what is to come.
The same goes for you too…
… you may have had your spring break planned out – but is your trip still possible? Or worth it?
Maybe.
Maybe not.
So here’s the latest on how the coronavirus is disrupting American lives.
Europe Travel Ban
Hoped to take a trip to Europe in the next 30 days?
Well you can, but you might face a difficult time coming back home.
President Trump officially issued a travel ban, restricting foreign nationals from 26 different European countries with open borders from entering the United States.
U.S. citizens can enter… at certain airports with extra medical screening.
And with the coronavirus rapidly changing, personally, it’s not worth the risk to go – even if flights are cheap.
No More Cruises
Cruises used to be seen as a status-symbol of luxury, with honeymooners and couples alike basking in the sun and bottomless drinks.
Proud American Traveler has written several articles about the lack of cleanliness on cruises, not to mention their shady dealings.
But with the coronavirus and hundreds of passengers getting sick all around the world on cruises, the incentive to NOT take a cruise is even stronger.
The Coronavirus Destroyed Lives Of Cruise Ship Passengers – Here’s Where They Are Now
Even the State Department can’t deny it and is literally telling Americans to avoid cruises because of the high risk of the virus (and potential international quarantines).
Will the cruise industry ever be able to recover from the coronavirus stigma?
Time will tell.
Parades And Festivals – CANCELED
As St. Patrick’s Day approaches, Irish communities around the country put on some serious big bashes that draw hundreds of thousands of people.
Cleveland is the best celebration in the country, and while they originally planned to have the parade, they’ve since canceled it because of the coronavirus.
Other cities like Boston and New York City are forgoing their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations too.
In Austin, the South by Southwest festival was canceled after major tech companies like Apple and Twitter said they would no longer participate.
And auto shows and art museums are closing around the country as well – meaning you’ll want to check your travel plans and see if your spring break trip is worth it.
Panic Buying
Even if you aren’t buying into the panic, other people’s panic is making normal household items unavailable.
Toilet paper is nearly impossible to find, and stores like Target and Wegmans are actually rationing how much hand soap and Lysol wipes customers can buy.
I was at Target the other day and the hand soap was almost sold out – except for a few hippy brands of natural stuff.
Lines are out the doors of grocery stores with people stocking up on goods and preparing to be quarantined.
Even if you’re just trying to feed your family or take care of a sick child – don’t count on finding cough medicine readily available.
For the next few weeks, the roads may be empty, but essential travel supplies may be hard to find.
So What To Do?
Be a smart traveler.
It’s probably best to avoid overseas travel right now if you can.
Your trip to Europe can wait until summer when the coronavirus chaos has hopefully calmed down.
And if you were planning a trip stateside to a festival or gathering, make sure it is actually still happening.
The coronavirus is seriously effecting events around the country.
All Capitol and White House tours are canceled till “at least” the end of March, and major festivals like the National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC have either postponed or canceled several of their events.
So travel if you insist – but be prepared for major disruptions and cancellations at a moment’s notice!
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